If a new lead is spliced on to an electric heating mat and then buried under tile, does this comply with the NEC? I would have to take apart the factory splice of the heating cable to the lead and splice a new one on. I know splices within the heating element can be buried and that complies with code, but since the lead is a factory connection, it seems as if this type of repair would not comply. The lead is badly damaged and needs to be replaced. I am just trying to come up with a solution that complies with code. What about if I were to cut after the factory connection, about 2" into the lead and then splice that. Could it be buried according to NEC?
Article 424 re: electric radiant heat mat repair HELP
- Thread starter sherry
- Start date
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- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Sherry- welcome to the forum.
I just finished a repair myself. The cable is factory splice so I would advise you to call the company and ask them for an appropriate way to splice it. Basically I used butt splices and heat shrink. You have very little room to work with and it is not a particularly easy job. The lead cable can be spliced however the heating cables may not be able to be spliced. Again I suggest you call the company.
I just finished a repair myself. The cable is factory splice so I would advise you to call the company and ask them for an appropriate way to splice it. Basically I used butt splices and heat shrink. You have very little room to work with and it is not a particularly easy job. The lead cable can be spliced however the heating cables may not be able to be spliced. Again I suggest you call the company.
al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
I agree with Dennis, Sherry. Contact the manufacturer of the heat system. If they have a splice kit that they will offer for that specific connection, then it is as good as the "factory" assembly, even though you are doing the splice in the field.
As for the actual quality of the new electrical connections in the splice, that's another matter.
But in terms of "bury-ability", the manufacturer field installed splice kit will be made for burying, most likely. You'll have to verify that, though, in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
As for the actual quality of the new electrical connections in the splice, that's another matter.
But in terms of "bury-ability", the manufacturer field installed splice kit will be made for burying, most likely. You'll have to verify that, though, in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
stickboy1375
Senior Member
- Location
- Litchfield, CT
Every piece of heat I ever installed comes with a 1-800 # for such questions... and answers.... If the end came damaged I would just replace the mat, if you damaged the mat, then call the company and ask for assistance... this is nothing to mess around with...
donselectric
Senior Member
- Location
- nh
why wouldn't you solder instead of crimps??
al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
If the heating element is in one end (or both ends) of the splice, the solder will probably not be adequate.
stickboy1375
Senior Member
- Location
- Litchfield, CT
donselectric said:
You need to call the manufacture, end of story.... these are UL listed mats, you can't just go and hack them up...
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